It's finally Friday! And it's also almost dinner time again. The hour that comes every day and requires a decision to be made. A standard go to for my family is pizza. It is quick and relatively inexpensive. On some occasions instead of doing carryout we make our own pizza. Experimenting with different sauces and toppings is a great... Full story »

I had a terrible craving for chocolate chip cookies yesterday. I don't know why, but it started in the morning and I tried satisfying it with a piece of cake, but it just wasn't the same. Nothing can compare to an oooey gooey fresh out of the oven melty chocolate chip cookie. Thanks to my wonderful husband, that is... Full story »

I am embracing the snow. I specifically sought out 'snow' themed recipes today and came across this Popcorn Snowman from Harding's market that looks fun, tastes fun, and will create fun for the cooped up kids home for a snow day. The snowman base is made by melting marshmallows and using it as the glue for the popcorn. After... Full story »

ROYGBIV is the mnemonic device that elementary children use to remember the colors of the rainbow. This becomes important in art class for color mixing, and important on a dinner plate. It is said that we eat with our eyes first so the presentation and color of food can set the tone for the whole meal. I found a... Full story »

I'm going to will my way to spring by eating brightly colored vegetables. In general people tend to eat more fresh fruits and veggies in the summer. Perhaps I can trick my mind into believing the seasons have changed through the food I eat. The Herbed Vegetable bundle from Arbor Farms is a quick, fun way to test out... Full story »

Main dishes are overrated. The word main implies that they are the most important part of the meal and I don't think that is true. Sides can be equally as satisfying and unique. Local bars and BBQ restaurants generally have my favorite type of sides. French fries are fine, but macaroni, hush puppies, and onion rings are the comfort... Full story »

I am spoiled living in Ann Arbor. We have incomparable restaurants staffed by notable chefs. I dread the day when I move away and my only option becomes chain restaurants. My favorite dish in the city is a bourbon pork tenderloin with a creamy potato pave and herbed pork reduction. It is unrivaled by any other pork, but I... Full story »

As a self-proclaimed foodie I enjoy TV shows that strictly revolve around food. I'm not talking about the shows with the pristine studio lit kitchens where all the prep work is already done, I'm speaking about the travel around the world, explore unusual edible items kind of shows. Several months ago I watched an episode of David Chang's Mind... Full story »

Why are standard egg cartons 12 eggs? For a family of four or more this is great and makes total sense, but for one or two people who mostly use them in recipes it doesn't make a ton of sense. Every time I buy eggs I find myself wondering what to do with the last six before they expire... Full story »

I am proud to be German. In fact, my maiden name, Mauser, is the name of a German Rifle company that has been operating since 1871. My great grandmother was a first generation immigrant who loved her German Rye bread. This means I have a great appreciation for German food. I imagine most 8 year olds don't know what... Full story »

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We hear this frequently from healthy eating literature and our mothers. I never skip breakfast, mostly because I am always hungry. According to me, scones, croissants, bagels, muffins, and donuts are essential breakfast foods that I would eat daily if I lost all my logic and reasoning skills. All bring... Full story »

Cooking pot roast scares me. It is one of those culinary adventures I have yet to tackle because of my fear of failure. The best pot roast is the kind that is so juicy and moist that it falls apart with a simple touch. I can count on one hand the amount of times I have had pot roast... Full story »

There are two ways to grocery shop. One includes a well thought out list and a weekly meal plan, and one is the stop at the store because you know you need food, but you aren't sure what you are going to buy plan. The latter causes me to spend more money and end up with an assortment of... Full story »

I'm not sure who Candace is, but her recipe for Carnitas tacos on Harding's Market's website looks awesome. Cooking the pork shoulder in the crockpot will make it fall apart tender and juicy. The corn tortillas offer a great firm texture contrast to the soft avocado and crunchy cabbage. This recipe doesn't include it, but I would brighten up... Full story »

Imagine how nice it would be to walk outside tomorrow and have the sun beaming down on your face warming every part of your body. Sunshine makes me think of summertime and summertime makes me long for picnic weather. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has decided that we won't be spreading out our blankets in the park anytime soon. Luckily, my... Full story »

If I could eat pasta every meal, I most certainly would. It is one of the most versatile foods. It can be paired with any vegetable, meat or sauce or just tossed with some butter, salt, and pepper as a comfort dish when sick. Most grocery shoppers think the generic box of noodles are no different than the beautifully... Full story »

Words that make my mouth water: avocado, chipotle ranch, cilantro, basil-infused, roasted red pepper, and pecan-crusted. When I see any of these words on a restaurant menu I immediately put that dish on my list of meal considerations. It's an automatic response that I'm not sure how I developed. I know what I like, and I love when restaurants... Full story »

Do you have all your food categories covered for the Super Bowl this weekend? A mix of salty, spicy, sweet, cheesy, and meaty dishes create a great balance. But what about the kids’ category? The picky eaters should have a special game day snack too. These Parmesan Chicken Finger dippers from Pat’s Food Center will be a touchdown with... Full story »

Stir-fry is a great way to use the the handful of carrots that weren't needed for the stew the night before or the green pepper that is about to go bad in the fridge. No matter the veggie it is a sure bet that you can toss it together with some rice, meat, and soy sauce and have a delicious Asian... Full story »

We all have recipes that remind us of childhood. Most dishes, like Grandma's meatballs or Aunt Helen's pecan pie, have been passed down for generations. Sometimes, though, a cherished recipe comes from our adopted families made up of friends or co-workers. That is how "Joe's coffee cake" entered my house. It is aptly named after my dad's co-worker who... Full story »